Description
This Peppercorn-Crusted Steak Burger is a gourmet twist on your favorite comfort food. Juicy steak patties get a bold crust of cracked black pepper, topped with melty cheese, crispy fried onions or fries, and a creamy, brandy-spiked sauce that takes every bite over the top. It’s like your favorite steakhouse burger—but made at home, in under 30 minutes. Perfect for date nights, weekend treats, or when you want something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Burger:
2 brioche buns, sliced and toasted
2 steak or ground beef patties (6 oz each, preferably 80/20)
2 teaspoons cracked black pepper (for crusting)
Kosher salt, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 slices of cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or provolone)
Shoestring fries or crispy fried onions (for topping)
For the Creamy Brandy Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
1 small shallot, finely minced
1/4 cup brandy or cognac
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Make the Sauce:
In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced shallot and cook for about 2 minutes, until translucent. Carefully pour in the brandy and simmer until reduced by half (2–3 minutes). Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard, then simmer for 3–5 more minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and keep warm.Cook the Patties:
Season burger patties with salt, then press cracked black pepper firmly into both sides. Heat olive oil or butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or to your desired doneness. In the final minute, add cheese slices and cover the pan briefly to melt.
Toast and Assemble:
Toast the brioche buns in a dry skillet or under the broiler until golden. Place each patty on a bottom bun, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, then layer on shoestring fries or crispy onions. Add the top bun and serve hot.
Notes
No brandy? You can use white wine or beef broth with a splash of vinegar as a substitute—just reduce it a little longer to intensify flavor.
Want extra heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a smear of horseradish on the bun.
Make ahead: The creamy sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated gently before serving.
Serving idea: Pair with air fryer zucchini with parmesan or a crisp salad for a full steakhouse-style meal at home.